Non-start with gauge cluster removed?

I've got an ad in the wanted section for a new gauge cluster for my '76 Comet. I removed the existing one because it's broken almost in half, the white plastic is crumbling away, and the printed circuit is in very bad shape.

But the question I have for here is with the gauge cluster out the car will not start. Is this right? I have a wiring diagram and there a few wires from that dash connector that go to the ignition switch and other places but that should only be for power to the cluster.

So is this right, the car won't start without the gauge cluster connected?

Or have I got something else going on?

Thanks in advance.

 

Well I know there are differences in later clusters but my '72 will run without it installed...

 

My '74 runs without the cluster installed

 

All of my parts cars drove without them.

 

Do any of your parts cars have a good gauge cluster?

 

I do not have any 1976 clusters. Those are getting real hard to find. You can make an earlier cluster work. There is a tech article on this board on how to modify it to work. Early clusters are easier to find.

 

Do you have any of the other later year clusters? I understand 74 and later are all the same?

 

If you can not find one closer to you I may have one goo except for a missing lens I used on another

 

That sounds good, I don't care about the lens, mine is fine, I'm only interested in the rear of the cluster and the printed circuit. Those need to be in good shape.

 

I have nothing that is a direct fit.

 

I will have a look tomorrow and check condition and get a pic

 

Made it out tonight still does have lens guess I pulled lens off another. This is from a 76 Comet I parted out was running car all seemed to be working speedo gas gauge etc. $ 30 plus the ride pm. me if interested

 

Yep, definitely interested. PM sent.

 

if not this is the replacement lens I have in Patches...

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=90887B+01

 

I can't use that.